Media and Communication
BA, CertArts, BA(Hons), MA, PhD, GradDipArts
See also Journalism
Introduction
The spectacular growth of Media and Communication at UC since its introduction in 2000 is no surprise. It reflects strong student interest in the world of media and communication. The modern media of newspapers, television, radio, news agencies, magazines and internet are central in examining the relationships between people, organisations and nations.
Today's world is media-saturated, with more time now spent watching television or using the internet than on almost any other social activity. Those media are also changing rapidly, particularly in digital media where individuals are more and more producing their own media and taking part in global networks.
Media and Communication examines the influence and myriad impacts of the media and new information technologies. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of how communication and media work and how they work within the broader context of society and culture. It draws on both the arts and social sciences, and the degree develops a wide range of critical thinking, writing and research skills.
The Media and Communication programme is closely linked to the strongly vocational Graduate Diploma in Journalism. The programme's close relationship with the news media ensures numerous visits by guest speakers from the industry and associated industry organisations.
100-level courses
COMS 101 is required for entry into 200-level Media and Communication courses and for students wishing to major in the subject.
200-level and beyond
Media and Communication courses at 200 and 300-level cover a wide range of topics including media audiences, advertising, visual communication, broadcasting, how different groups are represented, media and politics, international issues in mass communication, media and conflict, media and social change, and the study of journalists at work.
Further study
The BA(Hons) is designed to turn students into media researchers, ready for further study or for positions of responsibility in communication careers. A BA degree in Media and Communication is required and applicants should have no less than a B average in Media and Communication at 300-level. The core course teaches research, presentation and publication skills and prepares students to research and write a long essay on a topic of their choice.
Other honours courses explore new media and visual culture, political economy of communication, news in new media, marginalised groups and alternative media, and media and international relations.
The MA and PhD degrees have a rich mix of local and international students. Increasing numbers of Media and Communication graduates have been selected for the highly-competitive Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
Career opportunities
Undergraduate Media and Communication courses are an excellent academic preparation for a career in a communication industry or profession, from the news media to marketing to government communication. While many Media and Communication graduates enter careers directly related to their degree studies, more graduates tend to initially enter careers that seek graduates of any discipline, but which offer ample opportunity to use their knowledge, skills and perspectives on communication in society.
Many organisations place a high value on people who can develop relationships with the media and public and manage internal communications. The same skills and knowledge are also valued by government departments and agencies, both in liaising with the public and in developing policy.
Media and Communication graduates are employed in media, sales, commerce, industry, local and central government, education, research, arts/culture/design, tourism, museums, libraries, IT and telecommunications, social services, management and business organisations.
Contact
School of Social and Political Sciences
Telephone: +64 3 364 2899
Email: patricia.ydgren@canterbury.ac.nz